Thursday, October 11, 2007

Part of the Family of God

Jorge is a 27-year-old man who discovered Christ even though he was a gang member and a drug abuser. Every time the Nazarene pastor’s wife walked by the gang and tried to invite them to church, the gang made fun of her; yet, Jorge was impressed that she wasn’t afraid of them, like most people in town. While others would cross the street to avoid their corner hangout, the pastor’s wife walked right up to them and greeted them. Often she would give advice. Sometimes Jorge and his friends would hide from her just so she couldn’t confront them about their behavior. One night, however, she found them and asked them to carry some suitcases to the church. Begrudgingly, the group helped her but joked all the way to the church.

Arriving at the church, the pastor welcomed the group and asked them to carry the suitcases inside. Instead of being threatened by the gang, the pastor and the church members seemed to trust them. This greatly impacted the group. Inside the suitcases was equipment for the Jesus Film. The gang helped the pastor set up the equipment, stayed for the showing, and afterwards accepted Jesus as Savior!

When the church began preparing the people for a future showing of the Jesus Film in the streets, Jorge and his friend decided to join the ministry. In Jorge’s words: “Our new life is something marvelous. Today I am helping in the evangelism ministry that I used to mock. I thank Jesus that I am now part of the family of God.” Praise the Lord!